RAF Limavady, Northern Ireland, January 2019

1. The History
Royal Air Force Station Limavady or more simply RAF Limavady is a former Royal Air Force station. Also known as Aghanloo airfield, it is near the city of Derry, Northern Ireland. The location for RAF Limavady was agreed in 1938, when the site was selected as an Armament Training Station (ATS). The first recorded use was by 502 Squadron and their Whitleys on anti-submarine patrols in December 1940. They had the distinction of being the first operational unit to be equipped with the new long range ASV (air-to-surface vessel) radar. Later 224 Sqn Hudsons and 221 Sqn Wellingtons were stationed here.

In 1942 operational flying ceased for a two-year period. It was then used as a pilot training centre with Wellington and Ansons. In April 1942, General Reconnaissance training (GR) and Air-to-Surface Vessel (ASV) training became the norm, and operational squadrons withdrawn to be replaced by Operational Training Unit (OTU), until January 1944.

In 1944 the airfield returned to operational status and 172, 407 and 612 Sqds flew anti-submarine patrols. The airfield was notorious for its high accident In one incident alone in 1943, three aircraft were lost. Bad weather and its proximity to Benevenagh Mountain , accounted for many of these accidents.

The RAF left the airfield on a5th August 1945 and after the Second World War the airfield was further used by the Fleet Air Arm when it was known as RNAS Limavady until 1958, after which it was finally sold off. The site was partly converted into an industrial estate with the rest returning to agricultural purposes. The runways and taxi-ways can still be seen from aerial imagery

Notable structures that remain until today is a Type 518/40 control tower and an anti-Aircraft Gunner Dome. The later was used to project, onto the roof of the dome, a film of an approaching aircraft. The Gunner was trained to "Aim-Off" to ensure that he hit the aircraft.

2. The Explore
A nice relaxed explore on the first day of year. Easy access and loads there left still to see made this an enjoyable winter morning explore. Didn’t see a soul around, just some guard dogs barking in a nearby industrial compound. Wished I’d had more time to cover the site more thoroughly as it was large. Nice to see a WWII airfield with some much left to see. Get the feeling that if was in England it would have been smashed up.

That's excellent!
Ireland is turning up trumps for some good sites. I didn't expect to see much with this one having looked at a few here.
They really need a bicycle for getting around lol. I was knackered when I walked around RAF Felton.

The electrics. I think I can see a transformer in a box too? I've never seen electrics in a tower but do know of some in a sentry box near Blyth (Northumberland).

Interesting report that. Is it me or would the tower and building make a great house with high windows for a living space?

That's excellent!
Ireland is turning up trumps for some good sites. I didn't expect to see much with this one having looked at a few here.
They really need a bicycle for getting around lol. I was knackered when I walked around RAF Felton.

The electrics. I think I can see a transformer in a box too? I've never seen electrics in a tower but do know of some in a sentry box near Blyth (Northumberland).

Interesting report that. Is it me or would the tower and building make a great house with high windows for a living space?

Cheers Sausage. Yes, would make a good house. Funnily enough across the way from here someone had converted one of the huts and was living in it. Looked quite cool.

I've heard conflicting reports as to whether or not any parts of it are still in use or occupied. I have some detailed drone aerials I took late last year, if they're of any interest just let me know! Covers the control tower, some of the hangars, barracks and some outbuildings.

A distant relative of mine farmed on part of this airfield during the 50s and 60s. I visited during the 50s at a tender young age. I am hoping to pay a nostalgia trip there later this year. If the family provide anything of interest, I shall post it.

A distant relative of mine farmed on part of this airfield during the 50s and 60s. I visited during the 50s at a tender young age. I am hoping to pay a nostalgia trip there later this year. If the family provide anything of interest, I shall post it.

About us

DerelictPlaces is a forum for people with an interest in the history and documentation of disused, derelict and abandoned buildings to come together and share their experiences, photography and historical findings. Our military, industrial and historical heritage is fast disappearing under the pressure of regeneration, the need for new housing, and often through simple neglect; Our aim is to document these places before they disappear entirely.